Dhanraj makes a comeback with World Series Hockey

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Dhanraj Pillay is set to scorch the hockey turf with his lightning speed and magical moves as he signed up to play the inaugural World Series Hockey (WSH) scheduled to begin from December 17.

The 43-yer-old Dhanraj has mesmerized the hockey world with his dazzling ball control and stickwork in his over a decade long career where he donned the Indian colour at four Olympics and as many World Cups.

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"It is a fantastic feeling to be back in action with the global hockey superstars," said Dhanraj, who was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1999.

"I have always maintained that the hockey players need to be better looked after and I am proud to be associated with WSH.

"The league will provide the young Indian players with an ideal platform to showcase their talent on a global stage. I have been undergoing intensive training to compete with the best in the world," added Dhanraj, who represented India in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

One of the most popular stars of Indian hockey, Dhanraj also represented the country in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup and stamped his mark on almost all major tournaments around the world with his precise goal scoring ability.

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Besides representing India at various internationals tournaments, Dhanraj has also represented a number of overseas clubs, including the Indian Gymkhan, London; HC Lyon, France; HTC Stuttgart Kickers, Germany and BSN HC and Telekom Malaysia HC, Malaysia.

The WSH will involve around 176 leading players - Indian and international - who will showcase their talent in 61 matches. It is a multi-city franchise-based League with players being allocated to the teams based on the internationally accepted and practised 'draft' system.